Name: Marion Willekens
Dress + Designer: Jagger, by Caroline Takvorian
Wedding Date: 23.07.2022
Wedding Venue: Berghotel Chäserstatt, Switzerland
Photography: Evi Clerckx & Margaux Maesen

What should a wedding dress radiate for you?

Self-confidence and personality.

What does a wedding dress mean to you?

A wedding dress primarily reflects the bride's character and story, offers comfort and confidence, and highlights her best features. Ultimately, this is the day you want to feel your best and look your most beautiful for your future spouse. It also remains a timeless and tangible memento of one of the most beautiful days of your life.

Did you have certain expectations of a wedding dress beforehand? Were they met?

I found the first appointment very exciting. After a lot of research, I found myself drawn to many different styles and models. My wish list was therefore very diverse, but fortunately Sara, the stylist, cleverly filtered out various dresses.

I wanted to feel beautiful, comfortable, and 'myself,' and it quickly became clear what flattered my figure and face.

A spontaneous smile appeared on my face in three dresses. Radiant eyes told the others present that this could be 'the dress.' After trying on these three repeatedly, I chose the 'golden mean.' For a long time afterward, the other two dresses haunted my mind, but the closer the big day approached, the more convinced I was that I had made the right choice. Afterward, I couldn't or wouldn't imagine myself in any other dress.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?

Timeless, feminine, 'with an edge'

What made your dream dress perfect for you?

I wanted a special dress in which I felt special and beautiful, that flattered my figure (without stealing the show) and, importantly: in which I felt 100% comfortable. I was looking for a dress that suited me, with a personal meaning.

I love the minimalist, modern style, so when I saw the simple, flowing skirt of Jagger combined with the fantastically embroidered top with slight transparency and a sexy lowered back, I was sold.

Especially the extremely elegant silhouette, the subtle and stylish glitter, and the Edelweiss-like flowers convinced me.

I wanted a timeless dress that I would still find beautiful in 10, 30, and 50 years, and this design by Caroline Takvorian delivered that.

What were your expectations of a bridal boutique?

Well, through the dresses of my favorite designers during my research, I ended up at your bridal boutique. I had been following you on Instagram for a while and completely identified with your style. I find the overall picture important: not just the dresses, but also a stylish interior, a warm welcome, and professional guidance. I really love the Dutch openness, goal-orientation, and straightforward approach. I hoped for honest advice and no sales pitches, a modern and original collection to choose from, and simply a pleasant, nice experience. With a bit of luck, also a successful one. And I got it.

What did you enjoy most about your experience at Wild At Heart?

The selection is fantastic: just ample enough without being overwhelming, original, unique, and modern. What I appreciated most was the endless patience and calming tranquility with which I was helped, the attentive and listening ear to my wishes, and the sensitive, expert advice without pushing me in a certain direction. We far exceeded the scheduled duration of the first appointment, but I felt safe and at ease throughout the entire appointment. I have rarely felt so special and beautiful, for which a big thank you, ladies.

What does a wedding mean to you?

Showing that you choose each other and celebrating that love, together with the people who mean the most to you: your very best friends and family.

Who was all present?

Practically our entire family was there, plus a couple of friends. My husband and I both also invited our two best (childhood) friends with their partners. In total, we had 50 guests, an ideal group, very intimate and cozy yet large enough for nice reunions, endless conversations, and a lively party.

What was the highlight of your wedding?

It's difficult to choose just one moment, but the live music in the small, intimate chapel meant a lot to us as musicians. When Fleetwood Mac's subdued 'Landslide' played during my entrance, acoustically performed by my friend on guitar, I was quite moved. I will also never forget cutting the 'wedding cake' (a huge ball of local regional cheese) and the dance party.
But the ultimate highlight was undoubtedly the sunset in the evening, where all guests spontaneously rose from their seats to admire the golden mountain peaks. With our Instax, spontaneous group photos emerged of guests who knew each other very well or hardly at all, a competition for the funniest poses, and especially many personal conversations and laughter. Everyone visibly enjoyed themselves.

What advice would you give to future brides?

Follow your intuition when making choices for your wedding day and prioritize the things that personally mean a lot to you, not because (you think) other guests expect them from you. Don't waste unnecessary energy or money on 'perfect' details that will be overlooked anyway, and focus on what matters: a wonderful celebration of your love. On the big day itself: let go of all expectations and trust others, so that you can primarily enjoy yourselves carefree!

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your wedding day?

Looking back, I am most happy with the realization that if someone asked me to do it all again, I would make exactly the same choices. It was a day that suited us 200% and one that we will cherish for a long time.